Dubai Duty Free joined the world in celebrating the World Environment Day today, 5th June in response to the call of the United Nation and as part of its ongoing commitment towards environmental protection.

As part of the celebration, Dubai Duty Free launched two significant environmental initiatives with the objectives of reducing the generation of waste at source, raise awareness and encourage consistent practice in preservation of the environment.

Dubai Duty Free call for entries amongst its employees for its “Recycled Arts Competition - The Trash Formation”, to create awareness on the usefulness of garbage by transforming it into a useful artwork.  This competition will serve as an opportunity for Dubai Duty Free employees to demonstrate their commitment for the preservation of the environment while exhibiting their artistic work and talent.

The second initiative, “Environmental Awareness Photo Competition”, is designed to highlight the creativity of Dubai Duty Free employees in expressing the message of responsibility and commitment towards environmental protection.

Commenting on the two initiatives, Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Colm McLoughlin said, “At Dubai Duty Free we are doing our bit to mark and celebrate World Environment Day. We are committed to reducing the impact of our business on the environment and to ensuring that we have a work environment that minimises health and safety risks to our employees and customers. We trust the competitions will generate discussion between the participants and their peers about saving the environment.”

In addition, Dubai Duty Free made a pledge to eradicate the use of plastic by replacing the disposable plastic water bottles and paper cups with reusable permanent bottles.  While its staff were encouraged to bring their own shopping/grocery bags, carry their own reusable water bottles and cups at work and say no to disposable straws and cutlery.

During the event, Dubai Duty Free recognised the members of its Kids Enviro Club (KEC) by presenting a certificate of appreciation to the parents of all its members. To date the KEC has 33 members. Meanwhile, the winner of the Dubai Duty Free Environmental Tagline Competition which was launched at last year’s World Environment Day celebration was also announced. Among the 66 entries received, the tagline “We Care. We Act. We make a difference” by Benefredo Bañola Jr, of Finance Department was declared the winner and will be used as the official Dubai Duty Free environmental tagline to further promote and raise public awareness of the company’s commitment to the environment and sustainability.

Every year on 5th June, people across the world celebrate the United Nation’s World Environment Day, which is regarded as the most important day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the protection of the environment. Since it began in 1974, it has grown into a global platform for public outreach that is celebrated in over 100 countries.

Present at today’s activities was Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Colm McLoughlin, Ramesh Cidambi, COO, Salah Tahlak, EVP-Corporate Services, Sinead El Sibai, SVP – Marketing, Bernard Creed, SVP – Finance, Sean Staunton, SVP – Retail Sales, Saba Tahir, SVP-Purchasing,, Michael Schmidt, SVP-Retail Support, Sharon Beecham, VP – Purchasing, Kumar Ananthan, VP – Finance, Zayed Al Shebli, VP – Loss Prevention and Corporate Security, Mona Al Ali, VP – HR Service Delivery and Olympia Pineda, Manager – Corporate Responsibility Department.